Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My father was in the Air Force, so as I child I lived in many different places. My husband and I love to travel. People met on these adventures are a source of characters and plots. Growing up I wanted to be a writer, but in the career guidance class, I learned that very few writers earn enough to pay the rent. So, I went into teaching and on the side, authored columns for The Press-Enterprise and Inland Empire Magazine, as well as publishing a textbook and trade and scholarly articles. I began my academic career as a community college teacher and retired as a college president. I received degrees from Riverside Community College, University of La Verne, and University of California, Riverside. Working on my Doctorate of Philosophy at UCR provided me with experience in empirical research and understanding how human consciousness informs behavior. All this prepared me to write my current novel, international thriller, Story of a Stolen Girl.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Story of a Stolen Girl is my first novel, published July, 2018. I am outraged by those who abuse children and young women and how society turns a blind eye. Through my writing, I hope to shine a light on sexual exploitation and human trafficking. I donate from the sale of this novel to organizations that either fight human trafficking or provide services to the victims.
Every year, 800,000 children, women, and men are trafficked. When those not transported across international borders are included, the number increases to between two and four million people. Approximately, 75-80% of human trafficking is for sex.
Most Americans believe human trafficking is a problem only in poor and underdeveloped countries, too far away to be our concern. However, statistics report over 50,000 slaves in the United States, with another 17,500 being trafficked every year. There has never been a country or time in history when it did not occur. If this book stimulates conversation that makes a difference for any of these children and young women, I am satisfied with its results.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write whenever my characters talk to me. I really like to sleep, so I wish they wouldn’t strike up conversations at four in the morning. But they do.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I prefer books in which ordinary people do extraordinary things. The protagonist of Story of a Stolen Girl does exactly that.
What are you working on now?
I am working on two short stories and a novel with the working title of Tale of Three Sisters. The novel, set in South Africa, delves into love, family bonds, racism, apartheid, kidnapping, and child human trafficking.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do public speaking to service organizations and book clubs and have found that effective in promoting Story of a Stolen Girl and awareness of sexual exploitation of children and young women. Also, my website, http://patspencer.net is effective. I have had many compliments on how professional it is even though I did it myself. And I am not a techie.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take a college writing class and join a writer’s group.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In ten years, you will look back and either you did it or you didn’t. Don’t stop. Your dog may die, you may lose your job, or get a divorce or a serious disease. You may have to cut back on the time you spend on what you want to accomplish, but keep going. If you quit, even for a short time, the probability is that you will never come back and finish. (Mark Hansen, Ph.D. advisor)
What are you reading now?
Where the Crawdads Sing and the newspaper.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on two short stories and a novel with the working title of Tale of Three Sisters. The novel, set in South Africa, delves into love, family bonds, racism, apartheid, kidnapping, and child human trafficking.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Blank journals so I could write my next book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pat Spencer Website
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Pat Spencer book “The Story of a Stolen Girl” is an amazing book that needs to be read by everyone or made into a movie.